REGIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT SURVEY (REEES)

HISTORY OF FNREEES

The First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES or REEES) is a new survey from the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC).

In June 2011, the FNIGC received a mandate to conduct the REEES from the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs (AFN) in Assembly (Resolution 19-2011) during the Annual General Meeting in Moncton, New Brunswick.

In 2013, the surveys were conducted in 250 reserves and northern communities across Canada by FNIGC regional partners and trained regional field workers.

Similar to the FNIGC’s Regional Health Survey (RHS), the REEES collected quality information about First Nations communities using the First Nations principles of OCAP™ (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession) to support First Nations communities, governments and organizations in their own decision making process. In addition, the information collected helped improve the lives of First Nations, men, women and children by influencing several new governmental policies within each of the communities.

Within Manitoba, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC- health area, now First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba) took the lead to carry out the REEES within their region.

FAQ ABOUT THE REEES

Who was involved in the REEES?

Approximately 30,000 First Nations people on-reserve and in northern communities.
Research was conducted by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)
Data collection was done by First Nations for First Nations

Participants in the following categories:

Children (age 11 and under)
Youth (age 12 to 17)
Adults (age 18 and up)

How were participants selected?

The survey respondents were randomly selected using a sampling formula based on community band membership lists
Once selected, participation was voluntary
However, community members were unable to volunteer their participation.

Note: All personal information is kept confidential under the protection of the regional partner organizations.

Where did REEES happen?

10 regions across the country
250 randomly selected First Nations communities

239 reserve communities
11 communities in the north

Within the Manitoba:

40 First Nations collected a total of 4720 surveys
58 data collectors from 29 Manitoba First Nations were trained and hired.

When did REEES take place?

Data collection began in 2013 and completed in 2016.

What happened to the data after it was collected?

After the collection period was over, the data was analyzed by the FNIGC and results were distributed to each participating communities.

Why was participation important to the community?

More information about early childhood development, education and employment in First Nation communities results in a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges
This information then leads to success and will serve to benefit First Nations children, schools and employment.

To read more about the First Nation REEES, please visit the First Nation Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) website: www.fnigc.ca